Brown dorsally. The trunk bears a darker brown dorsal transverse band (“saddle”). Generally, the dorsal body surface has a brown ground color with groups of lighter, bronze-colored pigment cells on the trunk and scattered lighter pigmentation on the forehead region. Along the flanks, dark pigmentation decreases toward the venter, and larger, silvery, shining iridocytes are present. Clusters of bronze pigmentation are located in the gill region, with smaller groups along the flanks and cheeks. Ventral skin transparent; gills, heart, and gut coils clearly visible. Some iridophores may be present below the gill region. At the base of the tail, spindle-shaped melanocytes give it an overall brown ground color. Groups of larger, round melanocytes form mottling, predominantly on the muscular part of the tail, but also extending onto the dorsal fin; lower fin clear. Blood vessels inconspicuous; myosepta moderately visible.